In the library of MGM’s vast catalog of iconic hits, Robocop is arguably one of the company’s largest franchise brands outside of the James Bond movies. One of the earliest to be chosen for a post-acquisition revamp, Amazon’s developing Robocop series has been moving towards redefining the future of law enforcement for another generation. Those efforts seem to be paying off, as the new vision for this ‘80s classic is about to shift into gear. And judging by some very early indications, we might be in for more than just a mere reskin of this hero’s journey.
Prime Video’s New Robocop Series Has A Series Order
After roughly two years of development, THR notes that Amazon-MGM Studios has given this next attempt at reviving director Paul Verhoeven’s satirical action/comedy now has a series order. Lodge 49 showrunner Peter Ocko is still on board in that same position on the Robocop series, along with executive producers James Wan and Robocop co-writer Ed Neumeier..
Ocko will also be writing and executive producing on the series as well. For the potential newbies in the chat, James Wan’s official statement on the matter touches upon the legacy quite nicely:
I’ve been a massive fan of RoboCop forever, so getting to help bring this world to television is a dream. What Paul Verhoeven created in 1987 was decades ahead of its time, and its questions about technology, identity, and who corporations really serve have only grown more urgent.
With Peter’s distinctive vision and bold approach to storytelling, and alongside Ed and our partners at Amazon MGM Studios, we’re working to honor what made the original iconic and highlight its relevancy in this modern, tech-driven world, while building something unmistakably new for a global audience.
In a world that still debates the merits of AI, autonomous robotics, and how both apply to law enforcement, Robocop couldn’t have come at a better time. Much like the Legally Blonde prequel series Elle, this project is meant to tap into the enduring fandom of an MGM property that’s more prescient than ever before.
So updating Alex Murphy’s personal journey through a hellscape inspired by the Regan-era is going to provide a lot of fun. That is, of course, if we are indeed seeing Murphy’s story play out once again.
Has Robocop Moved On From Alex Murphy?
For some people, Robocop is always going to be Alex Murphy. Which means that, by extension, he’ll always be Peter Weller; as his performance in the 1987 classic is just that good. While it’s way too early to tell, the fact that Robocop’s main character isn’t mentioned in any of the cited press material kind of feels odd.
To me, and any other hopeful Robocop fan, that leaves a convenient opening for a unique take that could preserve the original, while also doing something new. Namely the revamp of an unproduced sequel script that almost saw life on the big screen. Yes, I’m referring to how the aborted Robocop Returns project with Neill Blomkamp was reportedly using Robocop II: The Corporate Wars as its North Star.
In a plot where Alex Murphy is resurrected after falling in the line of duty, almost three decades pass where our hero is out of commission. But what if Prime Video’s Robocop series focuses on the gap where Officer Murphy is out of rotation; showing another creation that’s part human, part machine, and all cop?
Amazon-MGM could have its cake and eat it too, as the Robocop brand would be active once again, with a fresh take that could leave room for an appearance of sorts by Peter Weller. Should he be up for the gig, of course. There are a lot of question marks to work with for now, as we don’t know of any potential production dates or debut windows. So you’ll want to keep an eye out for updates at THS TV News, your source for the latest and greatest in pop culture in television.
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